Self-ligating orthodontic bracket with sliding ligation cover
Self-ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. The exterior labial surface of both the base and ligation cover comprise a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface of both the bracket base and the ligation cover present a smooth, continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of sharp discontinuities and crevices.
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The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/190,056, filed Jul. 23, 2007, entitled “SELF LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKET WITH SLIDING LIGATION COVER”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to orthodontic brackets, more particularly to two-part self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a bracket base, at least one slot for receiving an arch wire, and a ligating cover.
2. The Relevant Technology
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that involves the application of mechanical forces to urge poorly positioned, or crooked, teeth into correct alignment and orientation. Orthodontic procedures can be used for cosmetic enhancement of teeth, as well as medically necessary movement of teeth to correct overjets or overbites. For example, orthodontic treatment can improve the patient's occlusion, or enhanced spatial matching of corresponding teeth.
The most common form of orthodontic treatment involves the use of orthodontic brackets and wires, which together are commonly referred to as “braces.” Orthodontic brackets, more particularly the orthodontic bases, are small slotted bodies configured for direct attachment to the patient's teeth or, alternatively, for attachment to bands which are, in turn, cemented or otherwise secured around the teeth. Once the brackets are affixed to the patient's teeth, such as by means of glue or cement, a curved arch wire is inserted into the slot of each bracket. The arch wire acts as a template or track to guide movement of the teeth into proper alignment.
There are two distinct classes of orthodontic brackets: those that require the use of ligatures to fasten the arch wire to the bracket, and those that are self-ligating. In brackets of the first class, small ligature wires are typically used to hold the arch wire in a securely seated position in the brackets. Ligatures or some other form of fastening means are essential to ensure that the tensioned arch wire is properly positioned around the dental arch, and to prevent the wire from being dislodged from the bracket slots during chewing of food, brushing of teeth, or application of other forces. One type of commercially available ligature is a small, elastomeric O-ring, which is installed by stretching the O-ring around small wings known as “tie wings” that are connected to the bracket body. Metal ligatures are also used to retain arch wires within the bracket slots.
In an effort to simplify the process of installing braces, a variety of self-ligating brackets have been developed. The term “self-ligating bracket” refers to a class of orthodontic brackets that include some sort of cover, whether separate from, hingedly or otherwise attached to the base, which encloses or otherwise retains the arch wire within the slot of the base.
A typical orthodontic practitioner may see as many as 80 patients in a single day. As such, the amount of time that can be allocated to each patient may be quite limited. Self-ligating brackets are typically installed and adjusted much more quickly than brackets requiring the use of ligatures. As such, self-ligating brackets provide a distinct advantage in terms of decreasing the amount of time that must be spent with each patient. Although existing self-ligating brackets do provide ease of use and can be adjusted relatively quickly by the practitioner, it would be an improvement in the art to further reduce the amount of time required to make adjustments (e.g., open the bracket covers, insert and/or remove arch wires, and then close the bracket covers), allowing the practitioner to see additional patients within a working day and/or address other issues that the patient may have.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSEmbodiments of the invention are directed to self-ligating orthodontic brackets which include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. The exterior labial surface of the bracket (which is substantially all portions of the bracket visible during use) is advantageously smooth, continuous, and substantially free of crevices, discontinuities, or intricate structures.
The exterior labial surface of both the bracket base and the cover comprise a compound curvature which is curved in two axes (i.e., curved in two directions simultaneously). In other words, the labial exterior surface curves relative to a longitudinal as well as a latitudinal axis of the bracket. The exterior surface curvature is smooth and substantially continuous, thus minimizing or eliminating the presence of crevices, discontinuities, or intricate structures along this surface. Any included recess (e.g., a single recess in the cover and/or base to aid in opening the cover) is advantageously smoothly curved as well so as to eliminate the presence of sharp corners on the exterior labial surface of the bracket. Such a smooth and continuous surface is beneficial as it minimizes the tendency for food or other debris to become lodged on or attached to the bracket. It is particularly advantageous that the exposed labial surface of the bracket be substantially free of crevices and other intricate features, as accumulation of food or other debris, which would be easily visible on this surface, is minimized.
The orthodontic bracket is easily manufactured. For example, the bracket may consist of only two parts (i.e., a bracket base and a sliding ligation cover) that may be formed by casting, machining, injection molding, metal injection molding, or liquid metal injection molding. In order to further simplify manufacture, the bracket base and ligation cover may be configured to minimize the presence of intricate portions, which otherwise may require intricate machining work, or if molded, may often result in breakage of such small, intricate portions, resulting in increased waste.
According to one embodiment, the bracket further includes latch means for holding the ligation cover in an open position when open. Preferably, the bracket further includes latch means for holding the cover in a closed position when closed. The ability of the bracket to hold the cover open when in the open position is advantageous as it allows the orthodontic practitioner to more easily and quickly insert and/or remove the arch wire during a visit of the patient to the practitioner's office (i.e., the cover is less likely to close on its own under force of gravity or as a result of being bumped). In addition, the sliding connection between the ligation cover and the bracket base is advantageous as it is more robust and quicker to open and close as compared to rotating hinge type connections. Furthermore, the operation of hinge type connections is sometimes painful for the patient, as forces applied to open the bracket are transferred to the underlying tooth, whereas operation of the sliding mechanism of the present inventive bracket is more efficient in isolating applied forces from the underlying tooth, resulting in increased comfort for the patient during adjustments at the office of the orthodontic practitioner. As a further advantage, the latch mechanism which latches the cover open when open and/or closed when closed is configured and located so as to not be externally exposed, which helps prevent food and/or debris from becoming lodged therein.
The bracket base may advantageously be formed of metal, ceramic, or glass so as to provide high strength, which is helpful in the region of the arch wire slot as it aids in transferring forces from the arch wire to the bracket base so as to effect movement of the teeth without deformation of the material surrounding the slot. Metal, ceramic, and/or glass materials are particularly strong so as to resist deformation, and for this reason these materials are preferred for manufacturing the bracket base. It may also be possible to form the bracket base from a rigid and strong polymeric resin material, although metals, ceramics, and/or glass materials may be preferred for their increased resistance to deformation as compared to polymeric materials.
The ligation cover may advantageously be formed of metal, ceramic, glass, or a polymeric resin. In addition to different choice of material properties that such a two-part bracket provides (i.e., the cover may be of a different material than the bracket base), such a two-part bracket allows the patient and practitioner some flexibility in creating a desired aesthetic appearance to the bracket and the overall bracket system, as the ligation cover(s) may be of a different material (and/or color and/or texture) than the bracket base(s). For example, a bracket base may be of a first color, while the associated ligation cover is of a second different color. Many patients (typically those who are young) enjoy the aesthetic appearance provided by brackets exhibiting bright and/or high contrast, easily noticeable colors. In addition, the ligation cover and/or bracket base may include a decorative image, graphic, figure, pattern, design, or other decoration according to the aesthetic wishes of the patient.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the bracket base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a ligation cover which is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open non-ligating position relative to the slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the slot. In addition, the exterior labial surface of both the base and ligation cover comprise a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface (e.g., as seen from a “planar top” view of the bracket—similar to the view of the brackets by an observer of a patient wearing the brackets) of both the bracket base and the ligation cover present a smooth, continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of sharp discontinuities and crevices. Any included recess (e.g., a single small configured to aid in opening the ligation cover with a tool) is formed so as to minimize sharp angles, small discontinuities and crevices.
II. Exemplary Orthodontic BracketsIn the illustrated embodiment, ligation cover 102 includes a recess 104. In order to open cover 102 relative to slot 106, a tool (e.g., a dental scaler) may be inserted within recess 104. A force is applied with the scaler or other tool to pull cover 102 open. Recess 104 is advantageously relatively narrow so as to prevent or at least inhibit a patient from being able to unlock the cover of the bracket with his or her own fingernail. For example, the recess 104 may have a width between about 0.25 mm and about 1 mm, more preferably between about 0.5 mm and about 0.75 mm. In addition, recess 104 is illustrated as U shaped, which is consistent with the smooth, substantially crevice free configuration of the labial face of the bracket, and which also easily receives and guides a dental tool down towards the lowest portion of the U shaped recess so as to pull the cover open. A V shaped recess may alternatively be employed, although the smooth U shape is preferred as it further minimizes the presence of sharp angles on the labial face of the bracket in closed configuration.
Exemplary latch mechanisms configured to maintain the cover in an open position when open and closed when closed will be described in further detail below. Force applied to recess 104 must be sufficient to unlock the latch mechanism so as to allow the cover to slide open. In reverse, the practitioner's finger may be used to apply a force to the incisal edge of cover 102, forcing it closed. The ability to close cover 102 without the use of any special tool (i.e., only a finger is needed) is advantageous as it further reduces the time required for the practitioner to make necessary adjustments, including closing the cover 102.
Ligation cover 102 advantageously moves in a flat, planar sliding motion relative to the bracket base 101. This allows the force applied to slide cover 102 into the open position to be efficiently transferred, resulting in motion of the cover while minimizing force that is transferred to the underlying tooth to which the bracket base 101 is attached. Such a sliding configuration results in less applied force being received by the underlying tooth as compared to brackets in which the cover is hingedly connected to the bracket base and in which the cover rotates relative to the base. Pulling up or down on the hinged cover (so as to open it) typically results in transmission of force to the underlying tooth, which can result in discomfort and/or pain to the patient. When the action is taken in reverse to close the cover, it is also very difficult to minimize transmission of force to the underlying tooth, again resulting in discomfort and/or pain. According to one embodiment, the planar, sliding connection provides a mechanism in which the cover slides parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. Providing a planar, sliding motion is also more comfortable than a sliding configuration in which the slide path is curved, as it is difficult in practice to prevent transmission of force to the underlying tooth when maneuvering a ligation cover that follows a curved sliding path. For this reason, it is preferred that the connection mechanism between the bracket base and ligation cover provide for a planar sliding motion and slide path.
In addition, the time required to slide the cover 102 open relative to slot 106 is less than the time typically required to rotate a hinged cover. Such differences are particularly advantageous when multiplied over many brackets and many patients. For example, a full set (e.g., about 20-28 brackets) of installed brackets including sliding covers as shown in
In the illustrated example, the labial exterior surfaces (e.g., those seen in a planar “top” view) of both the bracket base 101 and ligation cover 102 advantageously present a generally smooth, continuous outer surface generally defining a rectangle with rounded corners, and in which the exterior labial surface is curved in two axes. In other words, the exterior labial surface is curved around longitudinal slide axis S, as well as being curved around a perpendicular latitudinal axis L. The compound two axis curvature advantageously presents a low profile, smooth, and substantially continuous labial surface. Such a configuration is advantageously substantially free of discontinuities (other than recess 104), particularly sharp angled discontinuities, crevices, and/or intricate structures which tend to attract and hold in debris, for example food. In addition, the compound curve and smooth shape prevent or minimize injury to the tongue or other tissues, particularly soft tissues, found inside the mouth. Other shapes (e.g., substantially oval or round) that are also smooth and continuous (i.e., substantially without crevices, intricate structures, or other discontinuities) may also be possible. One such tear drop configuration is illustrated and described in conjunction with
As further illustrated in
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The ability of the bracket to hold the cover open when in an open position is advantageous, as it allows the orthodontic practitioner to more easily and quickly insert and/or remove the arch wire during a visit of the patient to the practitioner's office. In other words, it minimizes the possibility that the cover will inadvertently close (e.g., under force of gravity), requiring the practitioner to reopen the cover prior to inserting and/or removing an arch wire.
In addition, the sliding mechanism connection between the ligation cover and the bracket base is advantageous as it is more robust and more quickly opened and/or closed as compared to rotating hinge type connections. Furthermore, the operation of hinge type connections sometimes results in discomfort and/or pain for the patient, as a component of force applied to open the cover is transferred to the underlying tooth, which can be somewhat painful if a relatively large force is required in order to open or close the cover (e.g., as the result of a latch mechanism). In contrast, operation of the sliding mechanism of the present inventive bracket is more efficient in isolating applied forces from being transferred to the underlying tooth, resulting in increased comfort for the patient during adjustments at the office of the orthodontic practitioner
It will be noted that the illustrated configuration of track 110, rails 112, and recess 118 provide a planar slide path along which the ligation cover 102 travels. Such a planar slide path is preferable to a curved slide path, which would require a significantly more complex movement technique by the practitioner. Also, the planar slide path configuration is significantly less expensive and complex to manufacture. Reducing complexity of manufacture is particularly important in the orthodontic bracket arts, as the brackets are extremely small.
Features such as providing an unoccluded slot 106 when cover 102 is open and providing latch mechanisms for holding the cover open when open are advantageous as they provide improved access when inserting or removing an arch wire from slot 106 as compared to a configuration where cover 102 is always biased to an occluding or closed position, or where the ligation cover 102 still substantially occludes or covers slot 106, even when fully open. In addition, configuring the sliding cover so that it slides open towards the incisal edge of the patient's tooth improves visual sight lines and physical access to the arch wire slot by the Examiner. As such, this configuration is preferred over one in which the cover slides gingivally to an open position.
The sliding engagement mechanism by which cover 102 is slidably attached to base 101 (i.e., track 110, rails 112, recess 118) is advantageously disposed within bracket 100, apart from the edges of the bracket, so as to allow cover 102 to cover substantially all of the internal structures of the mechanism when closed. This advantageously presents a relatively smooth and continuous outer surface with a minimum of crevices or intricate raised structures which may otherwise attract and trap food or debris. The described sliding mechanism is an example of means for slidably connecting ligation cover 102 to bracket base 101. Other sliding mechanisms and latch mechanisms which are internal (e.g., switching the positions of the track/rails and recess so that the track/rails are in the cover and the recess is in the base and/or switching the positions of the groove/wells and the detent so that the groove and a well are in the cover and one or more detents are in the base) will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
A bracket configuration consisting of only two parts (i.e., the bracket base and a ligation cover) is advantageous as it allows for very simple manufacture, assembly and dis-assembly of the orthodontic bracket, which is particularly helpful as the orthodontic brackets are very small (e.g., length of about 4 mm, width of about 2 mm, height of about 3 mm). As such, it can be quite difficult to orient the ligation cover 102 relative to the bracket base 101 as needed when assembling the bracket by hand. The illustrated embodiment only requires that the cover be aligned with the base, and then slid in. In other words, no twisting, bending of parts, etc. is required during the aligning and attachment process.
A matching (or contrasting, as desired) insert 305 may also be installed at the same time. Insert 305 slides lingually, from a position as illustrated in
In addition, the gingival leading edge 405 of cover 402 and an opposite receiving ledge portion 408 of base 401 are complementarily configured so that convexly curved leading edge 405 of cover 402 is received within concavely curved receiving portion 409 of base 401. When closed, the gingival leading edge of cover 402 is supported from below (i.e., lingually) by ledge 408. In addition, a labial uppermost portion 411 of base 401 wraps over the top of the leading edge of cover 402, helping to guide it into place during closure. In other words, leading edge 408 becomes sandwiched between lower lingual ledge 408 and the labial uppermost portion 411 of base 401, thus preventing both upward and downward cantilevered motion of the cover 402.
Bracket 600 is configured so that the exterior labial surface of the bracket base and ligation cover present a substantially rectangular shape, which is modified by incisal and gingival cut away portions 615 so as to provide a “twin” type bracket having four tie wings 619 when the cover 602 is in the closed position. One advantage of bracket 600 is that the gingival tie wings 619 are formed as a portion of base 601, and incisal tie wings 619 include a portion provided by cover 602 and a portion provided by base 601. As such, in the event that cover 602 becomes broken, the base portions of the tie wings 619 still remain, and so the bracket can be ligated with traditional o-ring ligatures without requiring removal and replacement of the bracket base.
In each illustrated embodiment, the exposed labial surface of the cover and any exposed labial surface of the bracket base include a compound, two axis curvature so as to be symmetrically curved relative to both the longitudinal as well as latitudinal axis. These labial exterior surfaces are smooth and substantially free of crevices, discontinuities and/or any other intricate structures. Minimization or elimination of such structures prevents or minimizes accumulation of food or other debris within such tiny crevices. Any included recess or opening (e.g., the opening recess) is preferably a single recess which is preferably U shaped or other smoothly curved shape (e.g., O shaped—similar to through hole 404 of bracket 400) so as to provide a smooth surface, minimizing any tendency of such recess to interfere with the ability of the bracket to resist accumulation of debris. As such, the labially exposed portions of the bracket advantageously present a substantially smooth and substantially continuous outer surface, which is more comfortable for the patient and provides less opportunity for accumulation of food and debris.
According to one such embodiment, the labially exposed portion of the bracket presents a substantially rectangular, ovular, or teardrop configuration with compoundly rounded edges (i.e., simultaneously curved around two axes). The compound rounded edges may be generously rounded, e.g., having a radius of curvature at least about 0.010 inch, more preferably 0.020 inch, most preferably at least about 0.030 inch. For example, the illustrated examples include radii of curvature between about 0.030 and about 0.040 inch. Such generously curved surfaces are much more smooth than those typical of orthodontic brackets (e.g., no more than about 0.005 inch). Such compound curvatures provide a low profile bracket, and in combination with the smooth, continuous nature of the exterior labial surface of the bracket, results in reduced accumulation of debris and food around the bracket during use.
The bracket base and ligation cover of the orthodontic bracket may be formed of various materials. According to one embodiment, the bracket base is formed of at least one of metal, ceramic, glass, or a polymeric resin. The bracket base preferably is formed of a metal or ceramic material so as to impart a high degree of strength to the bracket base, particularly the area surrounding the arch wire slot. The ligation cover is formed of at least one of metal, ceramic, glass, or a polymeric resin. Exemplary ceramic materials include, but are not limited to, aluminous oxide, zirconia, and porcelain. Examples of suitable metals include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, titanium, nickel-titanium alloys, and liquid metal, an amorphous zirconium based metallic alloy.
Preferred polymeric resin materials from which the bracket base and/or ligation cover may be formed include numerous thermoplastic materials. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, polyamides (crystalline or amorphous), acetal polymers, polyetherimides, polycarbonates, polyarylether ketones, Z polysulfones, and polyphenylsulfones.
Specific exemplary polymeric resin materials useful in forming orthodontic bracket bases and/or ligation covers include TROGAMID, a crystalline polyamide manufactured by Degussa AG, located in Germany; GRILAMID, an amorphous polyamide manufactured by EMS-CHEMIE AG, located in Germany; PEEK, a polyarylether ketone manufactured by Victrex USA, Inc., located in Greenville, S.C.; and RADEL, a polyphenylsulfone manufactured by Solvoy S.A., located in Brussels, Belgium.
Additional suitable polymeric resin materials and specific characteristics of the above polymeric resin materials and orthodontic bracket components formed therefrom, including methods for coating the bracket components for increased hardness and deformation resistance, are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/835,959, filed Apr. 30, 2004, and entitled ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS MADE FROM POLYMERIC MATERIALS THAT IMPART DESIRED STRENGTH PROPERTIES, and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/045,948, filed Jan. 28, 2005, and entitled ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS COATED TO INCREASE RESISTANCE TO WEAR AND DEFORMATION, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Although it may be possible to form the bracket base and/or ligation cover from a polymeric resin material, metals and ceramics are preferred for their superior deformation resistance.
According to one embodiment, the ligation cover and/or bracket base may be colored through incorporation of a dye or pigment into the forming material, especially where the bracket component is formed from glass or a polymeric resin material. The colored dye or pigment may comprise any desired color (e.g., red, white, blue, green, orange, black, yellow, purple, tooth colored, colorless, etc.). Bright and/or high contrast colors may be preferred by patients desiring to draw attention to their brackets, while low contrast colors (e.g., white, colorless, or tooth colored) may be preferred by patients wanting to hide or draw minimal attention to their brackets.
Alternatively, the ligation covers and/or bracket bases may include a colored coating. Colored coatings may be particularly preferred as a means of coloring the bracket component where the covers are formed from metal or ceramic. Such a coating (e.g., a ceramic) may give a metal ligation cover and/or bracket base any desired color. Decorative images, graphics, figures, patterns, designs and/or other decorations may also be added, as desired. Additional details and methods of either incorporating a dye or pigment into the forming material or applying a coating which may be colored are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,872, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/613,767, filed Dec. 20, 2006 and entitled COLORED ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS HAVING REMOVABLE LIGATION COVER, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/045,948, filed Jan. 28, 2005, and entitled ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS COATED TO INCREASE RESISTANCE TO WEAR AND DEFORMATION, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference with respect to its disclose of incorporating a colorant into a bracket forming material and/or applying a coating which may be colored.
In addition to decorative images, graphics, figures, patterns, or designs; other decorations, for example, decals, stickers, jewelry, or even small LED lights may be incorporated into or applied over the exposed labial portion of the brackets (i.e., the ligation cover and/or an insert portion of the bracket base). Such features, as well as high contrast colors (i.e., colors providing a high degree of contrast against the teeth, for example, fluorescent and/or bright colors) may be particularly desirable to those patients wishing to draw attention to their brackets. Other patients may instead want to minimize the appearance of their orthodontic brackets, and may choose for example, white, colorless (i.e., clear) or tooth colored ligation covers and/or bracket bases. Such options associated with the bracket advantageously allow each patient to tailor the aesthetic appearance of their overall bracket system to their particular tastes. In addition, because in at least some embodiments the ligation cover is removable from the bracket base as described above, the covers may be removed from the bracket bases (even while the bracket base is attached to the tooth) and replaced with a different cover having a different color, image, graphic, figure, pattern, designs, or other decoration during treatment.
Furthermore, it will be noted that when installed, the ligation cover largely hides the underlying bracket base from the view of someone looking at the patient. Such a characteristic is advantageous as it allows the user to create and change the appearance of the ligation covers while minimizing any color clashing or mismatching which might otherwise be undesirable between the ligation cover and the bracket base. This is particularly advantageous when replacing one or more interchangeable ligation covers while leaving the bracket bases still bonded or otherwise attached to the teeth. In addition, it maximizes the visible surface area available for application of decorative images, graphics, figures, patterns, designs, or other decorations to the front labial-buccal surface of the ligation cover, while still providing a small, low profile bracket. Maximizing this surface area is advantageous as the brackets are already very small such that the maximized cover surface makes any applied decoration more easily visible, distinguishable, and/or recognizable.
Any ligation cover and/or an insert as in
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. An orthodontic bracket comprising:
- a bracket base having at least one arch wire slot formed therein, the arch wire slot being adapted to receive an arch wire therein;
- a ligation cover that is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot; and
- a sliding mechanism that is configured to provide a sliding connection between the ligation cover and the bracket base and retain the ligation cover on the bracket base while in the open, non-ligating position,
- wherein an exterior labial surface formed by the base and ligation cover when in the closed, ligating position comprises a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface provides a smooth, substantially continuous exterior surface that is free of discontinuities and crevices except for a single tool-receiving recess formed in the labial surface for use in selectively moving the ligation cover between the open and closed positions.
2. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the bracket consists of only two separate pieces.
3. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, further comprising latch means for holding the ligation cover in an open position when the ligation cover is open.
4. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 3, wherein the latch means for holding the ligation cover in an open position comprises a well formed in one of the bracket base or ligation cover and a protrusion formed on the other of the bracket base or ligation cover, the protrusion being sized to engage within the well so as to define a latched position in which the ligation cover is held open.
5. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, further comprising latch means for holding the ligation cover in an open position when the ligation cover is open and for holding the ligation cover in a closed position when the ligation cover is closed.
6. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 5, wherein the latch means for holding the ligation cover in an open position when open and a closed position when closed comprises:
- a groove with a first well at one end of the groove and a second well at an opposite end of the groove, the groove and wells being formed in one of the bracket base or ligation cover; and
- a protrusion formed on the other of the bracket base or ligation cover, the protrusion being sized to selectively engage within a selected well, the first well defining a latched position in which the ligation cover is held open when the protrusion is engaged therein and the second well defining a latched position in which the ligation cover is held closed when the protrusion is engaged therein.
7. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a raised track and one or more rails formed on the base, the track and rails engaging within a recess formed in the ligation cover such that the track and rails guide movement of the cover as the cover is slid from an open position to a closed position.
8. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the bracket base further comprises an interchangeable aesthetic insert.
9. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 8, wherein the interchangeable aesthetic insert and/or the ligation cover is impregnated with a medicament.
10. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the bracket base is formed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic, a polymeric resin, and glass.
11. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the ligation cover is formed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic, a polymeric resin, and glass.
12. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior labial surface formed by the ligation cover and/or the bracket base includes a decorative image, graphic, figure, pattern, design, or other decoration that contrasts with a surrounding surface.
13. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the bracket base further comprises a supporting ledge for supporting a leading edge of the ligation cover when closed.
14. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the ligation cover comprises two co-linear oppositely disposed ligation covers, each cover being selectively slidable towards the other ligation cover along an axis defined by the sliding mechanism.
15. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 14, wherein each ligation cover includes a leading edge that is cantilevered over the arch wire slot when the covers are in a closed, ligating position.
16. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior labial surface of the bracket defines a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners.
17. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 1, wherein the exterior labial surface of the bracket defines a substantially teardrop shape with rounded corners.
18. An orthodontic bracket comprising:
- a bracket base having at least one arch wire slot formed therein, the arch wire slot being adapted to receive an arch wire therein;
- a ligation cover that is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot; and
- a single recess formed in the bracket base or ligation cover near a longitudinal center of the bracket configured to receive an opening tool to aid in opening the ligation cover,
- wherein an exterior labial surface formed by the base and ligation cover when in the closed, ligating position comprises a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface provides a smooth, substantially continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of discontinuities and crevices except for the single recess.
19. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 18, wherein the recess is formed at an incisal edge of a labially exposed portion of the bracket base.
20. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 18, wherein the recess is formed at a gingival edge of a labially exposed portion of the ligation cover.
21. An orthodontic bracket comprising:
- a bracket base having at least one arch wire slot formed therein, the arch wire slot being adapted to receive an arch wire therein;
- a ligation cover that is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot; and
- a sliding mechanism comprising a raised track and one or more rails formed on the base, the track and rails engaging within a corresponding recess formed in a side of the ligation cover such that the track and rails guide movement of the cover as the cover is slid from an open position to a closed position,
- wherein an exterior labial surface formed by the base and ligation cover when in the closed, ligating position comprises a compound two axis curvature so that substantially all of the exterior labial surface provides a smooth, substantially continuous exterior surface that is substantially free of discontinuities and crevices.
22. An orthodontic bracket comprising:
- a bracket base having at least one arch wire slot formed therein, the arch wire slot being adapted to receive an arch wire therein;
- a ligation cover that is selectively slidable relative to the bracket base between an open, non-ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot and a closed, ligating position relative to the at least one arch wire slot; and
- a sliding mechanism comprising a raised track and one or more rails extending laterally from the raised track formed on an upper surface of said bracket base, the track and the one or more rails engaging within a corresponding recess formed in an interior region in a lower surface of the ligation cover such that the track and the one or more rails guide movement of the cover as the cover is slid from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the ligation cover encloses a pair of opposing mesial-distal sides of the raised track and the one or more rails within the interior region of the ligation cover when in the closed position.
23. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, wherein the ligation cover includes a pair of opposing mesial-distal walls that slidably contact a labial surface of a tooth-bonding pad of the bracket base when the ligation cover is moved into the closed position.
24. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, wherein the raised track includes an end surface that at least partially defines the at least one arch wire slot.
25. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 24, wherein the ligation cover includes at least one wall that lies adjacent to and is substantially co-planar with the end surface of the raised track so as to further define the at least one arch wire slot when the ligation cover is in the closed position.
26. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, further comprising a recess formed in a labial surface of the bracket base configured to receive a tool to aid in opening the ligation cover.
27. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, further comprising a recess formed in a labial surface of the ligation cover configured to receive a tool to aid in opening the ligation cover.
28. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, wherein the bracket base further comprises a supporting ledge for supporting a leading edge of the ligation cover when in the closed position.
29. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, wherein the bracket base further comprises a recess that partially encloses and overlaps a labial surface of a leading edge of the ligation cover when in the closed position.
30. An orthodontic bracket as recited in claim 22, wherein an exterior labial bracket surface formed when the ligation cover is in the closed position comprises a compound two axis curvature and provides a smooth, substantially continuous exterior surface except for a single tool-receiving recess.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 26, 2008
Date of Patent: Jun 21, 2011
Patent Publication Number: 20090325120
Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc. (South Jordan, UT)
Inventors: Paul Lewis (Midvale, UT), Eldon Montgomery (Salt Lake City, UT)
Primary Examiner: Ralph A Lewis
Attorney: Workman Nydegger
Application Number: 12/146,608
International Classification: A61C 3/00 (20060101);